The top of the UFC welterweight division hasn’t been as exciting as the lightweight division in the last couple of years. However, things are about to get interesting with pound-for-pound king Islam Makhachev moving up after vacating his lightweight title. But he has got a tough challenge ahead in the current welterweight champ, Jack Della Maddalena, who is unlike anyone Makhachev has faced before.
Makhachev’s management recently shared some insights into his preparation and what former champion Khabib Nurmagomedov thinks about the upcoming matchup.
Ali Abdelaziz Reveals Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Thoughts About Jack Della Maddalena vs. Islam Makhachev
After ruling the lightweight division with four title defenses, Makhachev decided to move up to welterweight to go after a second belt, something his friend and mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov never did. His manager, Ali Abdelaziz, believes that Makhachev has already beaten everyone in the 155-pound division, and his 15-fight win streak doesn’t leave much room for argument.
However, Maddalena is no ordinary opponent, and Makhachev and his team know very well about that. During a recent interview with “Submission Radio,” Abdelaziz said, “Islam and [Ilia] Topuria, Islam’s 4-1 favorite. Islam and JDM is almost even. This is what people think about it. Khabib said it’s a very tough fight, and if we think ‘Oh we look over JDM,’ people are crazy.”
Keeping it real while also backing up his teammate, the manager further said, “I think this guy is so talented. He’s so fluid. He’s good everywhere. I just think Islam is better. That’s my opinion, my humble opinion. But I got nothing but respect for this young man. He’s phenomenal and he’s very fun to watch and he’s the future.”
JDM has only two losses in his 20 pro MMA fights so far and is still undefeated in the UFC. He has finished 14 out of his 18 wins, and 12 of them came via knockout. His title win over Belal Muhammad at UFC 315 showed his sharp striking, better takedown defense, and nonstop pressure.
What Maddalena Thinks About Facing Makhachev
While it’s true that JDM will be a huge threat for Makhachev, it should also be kept in mind that there is a reason why the latter is P4P #1 at the moment. And JDM is not taking that lightly at all.
During a conversation on “The West Sport Show,” Maddalena said, “I think Islam Makhachev is a better version of Belal. I think his striking on the feet is easier than Belal because he’ll stay in one stance. He’s more traditional style, but he’s pound-for-pound No. 1. So, it’s a tough fight.”
JDM further backs his preparation and strategy and said, “But I guess we’ll just watch his fights again, make a solid game plan, and then just start working at it from pretty much now. I’m going to start working on ways to beat him, different ways to get back to my feet, stuffing the takedown. I’m pretty confident I can get this one done.”
There is no official date yet for the fight, but Abdelaziz mentioned that it will happen in 2025, most likely in November or December. This could be Makhachev’s big chance to go beyond Nurmagomedov’s legacy, who is seen as one of the MMA GOATs.